Archives for September 14, 2015

“May you be inscribed for a good and sweet year!” This greeting is one of the Mantra’s of Rosh Hashanah, which means “head of the year.” This important holiday celebration brings the opportunity for believers to wipe the slate clean of all that has been and move on with the gifts of G-d’s grace and blessings.

Rosh Hashanah is all about relationships. It marks the anniversary of the relationship G-d created with mankind through Adam and Eve, and the birth of His relationship with humanity. It reverently shares the desire for all human beings to be blessed with another year, totally connected to the One who began the world as we know it.

At Synagogues around the world, the sound of the shofar will mark the first sin of man and the atonement for that sin. The blast of the lamb’s horn may be heard on both days of Rosh Hashanah, clearly demonstrating the hope for the coming year. Apples dipped in honey also symbolize the desires for a sweet year and the realization that all good things come from the King of Heaven.

It’s always exciting to begin again. This year, as your Jewish friends come to the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, wish them well. Extend the blessing for all good things and in some small way, become a part of the sweetness that a new year brings no matter what your faith background. What could be more wonderful than coming back to your roots, remembering all that has gone before, and delighting in all that is yet to be? Wherever you are today, may you receive a clean slate, a chance to take a fresh breath and start again. May you celebrate the joys of a renewed spirit, trusting in the relationship you have with the G-d of all Creation. Shalom!